Signal Boxes and Semaphores

The Decline

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Transportation, Railroads
Cover of the book Signal Boxes and Semaphores by Gordon D. Webster, Amberley Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gordon D. Webster ISBN: 9781445656182
Publisher: Amberley Publishing Publication: November 15, 2016
Imprint: Amberley Publishing Language: English
Author: Gordon D. Webster
ISBN: 9781445656182
Publisher: Amberley Publishing
Publication: November 15, 2016
Imprint: Amberley Publishing
Language: English

Mechanical signal boxes and semaphore signals are the last vestige of Victorian technology still to be found on Britain’s railways. Still surviving against all the odds in a digital era, only a few hundred ‘boxes’ remain in use out of the 10,000 originally built to control train movements across every inch of the network. Sadly, almost all of them are to be abolished within the next decade and replaced by twelve computerised Regional Operating Centres. The old system is still alive and well throughout a number of locations seemingly lost in time, from the remote Scottish Highlands to the busy Great Western main line. The world’s largest ‘box’ at Shrewsbury – containing 180 levers – contrasts with many tiny level crossing cabins in Yorkshire, while single-track electric token systems have also remarkably stood the test of time on some secondary routes. In this book, Gordon D. Webster looks at the last signal boxes and semaphores with a vast selection of photographs, showing the various trains that pass in an intriguing blend of old and new. Interior views are included, showing the traditional working environment of the signalman which will also soon be lost forever.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Mechanical signal boxes and semaphore signals are the last vestige of Victorian technology still to be found on Britain’s railways. Still surviving against all the odds in a digital era, only a few hundred ‘boxes’ remain in use out of the 10,000 originally built to control train movements across every inch of the network. Sadly, almost all of them are to be abolished within the next decade and replaced by twelve computerised Regional Operating Centres. The old system is still alive and well throughout a number of locations seemingly lost in time, from the remote Scottish Highlands to the busy Great Western main line. The world’s largest ‘box’ at Shrewsbury – containing 180 levers – contrasts with many tiny level crossing cabins in Yorkshire, while single-track electric token systems have also remarkably stood the test of time on some secondary routes. In this book, Gordon D. Webster looks at the last signal boxes and semaphores with a vast selection of photographs, showing the various trains that pass in an intriguing blend of old and new. Interior views are included, showing the traditional working environment of the signalman which will also soon be lost forever.

More books from Amberley Publishing

Cover of the book The Norman Conquest by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Around Fareham From Old Photographs by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Chloe & Co. by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Eyewitness Accounts At Sea with Pirates by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Newcastle in 50 Buildings by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Barnet & Hadley Through Time by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book For Wales, See England by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Performance Mk 1 Ford Escorts 1968-74 by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Thornton-le-Dale Through Time by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Tea by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Secret Newcastle-Under-Lyme by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Railways of Fife by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book The River Isbourne by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book Prehistoric Gloucestershire by Gordon D. Webster
Cover of the book North York Moors Through Time by Gordon D. Webster
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy